LEAD Institute

LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) Institute is a year-long leadership development program for nonprofit managers aspiring to greater leadership. LEAD serves the diverse communities of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties.

Since it began in 2009, more than 200 LEADers have completed the program.

Applications for 2025 are now closed.
Applications will open in summer 2025 for LEAD 2026.

Values & Commitments

LEAD Institute is committed to building an inclusive and equitable teaching community where LEADers identify core values, share resources, and cultivate a supportive network for leadership growth and mission impact.

LEADers commit to ten intensive, day-long monthly seminars for leadership growth and reflection at the beautiful Harden Foundation in Salinas, and experience six months of individualized, one-on-one coaching with a professional coach.

Why LEAD?

100% of LEAD Institute grads (2023) feel somewhat or to a great degree prepared for greater leadership responsibility.

LEAD can help you thrive:

Identify your core values and connect with a diverse and inspiring peer network.
Learn from experts in our community and explore topics related to power, collaboration, and justice.
Develop nonprofit management skills and better understand how organizations function.
Grow your mission impact and work for change.

Why LEAD for Your Organization?

LEAD Institute has been a particularly impactful opportunity for multiple staff members to build their own networks of trusted colleagues, refine their personal communication style and stories, tackle leadership challenges with great support, and gain confidence in their own judgement. I have been thrilled to witness the increased confidence and clarity about leadership I’ve seen evolve as the program unfolds over the year. Thank you!

Beth Wilbur, Executive Director, Casa of Monterey County

Partners, Presenters and Coaches

The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and the Community Foundation for San Benito County partner with the Community Foundation for Monterey County to ensure strong participation from all three counties.

Recent presenters with expertise in nonprofit management and leadership development have included LEAD Alumni Hana Kong and ileana Ortega Brunetti, Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz, G. Luca Oake, Sharon Papo, Catherine Hambley, Steve Dennis, plus CNE staff Reid Norris and Susie Polnaszek.

Thank you to our 2024 LEAD coaches: Anne Auburn, Arne Croce, Daniela Bryan, Marie Earl, Willy Elliot-McCrea, Emma Pineda Fortin, Robert Freiri, Allison Guevara, Denise Kaku, Angela Lopez, Tobi Marcus, Clare Mounteer and Kathleen Rice.